Mark A. Miller
Family
Rosaceae
Botanical Name
Prunus x yedoensis
Plant Common Name
Yoshino Cherry
General Description
Yoshino cherry has gorgeous pale pink to nearly white flowers that smother the tree in early spring before the leaves appear. As the flower petals age, they tend to blush more pink. Falling petals look like snow and carpet the lawn or street like confetti. Its horizontal branches and open habit contribute to its popularity. Each year they celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. and the Yoshino cherry plays a large role in the festivities. Like many of the flowering cherries, it does not bear edible fruit. Fall leaf color is typically shades of yellow, gold and some orange.
A hybrid developed from trees native to Japan, Yoshino cherry thrives in full sun and well-aerated, rich soil. It cannot survive in heavy, poorly drained soils. Prune lightly to eliminate crossing or awkward branches. Yoshino cherry shines as a specimen or shade tree and is particularly stunning when in flower if set in front of a dark background such as a grove of evergreens or a building.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 3
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
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Sunset Zone
3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
20'-40' / 6.1m - 12.2m
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Width
20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Pink
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Fruit Color
Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Orange, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
